Why You Can Trust CNET Purple Restore Mattress Review: A Bed With a Distinctive Feel and Breathable Design
The Purple Restore mattress is one of Purple's newest beds, which takes the place of the previous Hybrid mattress line. We tried one out; here's what we thought.
Purple, a well-regarded mattress-maker, has recently released a new lineup of mattresses, including Purple Restore Mattress, the first model in its brand-new Premium Collection of mattresses that replaced the Purple Hybrid and Premier beds. It also introduced a new Luxe Collection, the brand's top-tier selection of Purple mattresses. In this Purple Restore review, I'll look at its construction, the distinctive gel-like feel, firmness options, pricing and who would benefit from this hybrid mattress.
Purple Restore mattress
Like
- Multiple firmness levels make it good for all sleeping positions
- Supportive hybrid construction appeals to all body types
- Design makes it ultra breathable
- Offers a unique, weightless feel
Don't like
- It's pretty expensive
- Might be too strange for people who want a traditional feel
Purple Restore video
First impressions
We tested the Purple Restore mattress and found it's accommodating for a wide variety of sleepers.
On first glance, the Purple Restore Mattress looks a bit different than the older Purple Hybrid Mattress. The nearly all-white cover has been replaced with a sleeker gray and dark purple exterior that looks quite nice. Under the hood, though, the changes are far less significant. Purple is not reinventing the wheel with the Restore Mattress, because it's a direct replacement for the earlier Purple Hybrid. It should feel very familiar to anyone who's slept on a Purple bed before. It has a unique, gel-like feel that is soft and squishy, yet supportive and responsive at the same time. It feels completely different than any other brand that we've tested.
The shipping and setup process for this mattress was a bit different. The folks who delivered it unbagged it for us and put it on our bed frame, like a kind of white glove delivery lite. This should also be your experience with any bed in the Premium Collection, which is pretty useful since these beds are heavy and can be challenging to move around.
The main difference between Purple's delivery and other methods from luxury mattress brands is that it arrived in a bag rather than full-size, like the beds from the Saatva brand or the beds in the Purple Luxe Collection.
There will be a bit of an off-gassing process with some light odor, but thanks to the nature of the materials, it should probably be ready to sleep on by Night 1.
Construction and materials
The Purple Restore Mattress stands out thanks to its comfort material and Purple's secret sauce, the GelFlex Grid material. It's made with:
- Pocketed coils as the primary support layer, a feature that ensures excellent bounce, responsiveness, durability and support, particularly for individuals with heavier body types. In contrast, the Essential collection utilizes foam for its support bases.
- Above the coils, there is a thin layer of comfort/transition foam, which is quite common in most mattresses.
- Next is the Purple GelFlex Grid layer, which sets the Purple Restore Mattress apart from other beds. This proprietary material, resembling Dr. Scholl's insoles, offers a unique, super-responsive, gel-like feel that characterizes all Purple mattresses in both the Premium and Essential Collections.
The GelFlex Grid remains unchanged from that of the older models, as it's the signature element of a Purple mattress.
Purple Restore mattress feel and firmness
Getting a feel for the Purple Restore mattress: The top layer feels like a gel toy or a Dr. Scholl's insole.
The Purple Restore Mattress boasts a remarkable gel-like feel, thanks to the inclusion of the Purple GelFlex Grid. This material provides a uniquely responsive and squishy sensation. If you've never slept on a bed like Purple, it's unlike anything you've experienced before. The new Purple beds retain this exceptional feel, as it is what makes a Purple mattress truly distinct. With that said, some shoppers may think the bed's one-of-a-kind feel is somewhat strange. If you're hesitant to commit a whole new style of mattress, to get the feel of the GelFlex material you can buy a sample squishy for very little -- just $3 apiece, or a two-pack costs only $5.
How firm is the Purple Restore mattress?
Regarding firmness, the Purple Restore Mattress improves on its predecessor, the Purple Hybrid, by offering two firmness options, soft and firm. The "firm" model, which we tested, falls around a medium-firm on our firmness scale, similar to the old Purple Hybrid.
This makes it suitable for back, stomach and combination sleepers, as well as various body sizes. However, lighter individuals might perceive it as slightly firmer. Unfortunately, we haven't tested the soft option yet, but based on information from Purple's website and other mattresses in this collection, it will likely be a medium firmness, catering to strict side sleepers.
Sleeping positions
Back and stomach sleepers may want to consider the firm mattress model because it offers greater back support than the softer model is likely to.
It's worth noting that firmness perception is subjective and can vary based on body weight. Lighter-weight individuals may find the firm model slightly firmer, while heavier individuals may experience it as more accommodating.
For side sleepers, we recommend trying out the soft model, which is specifically designed to provide a better cushion for your shoulders and hips.
Combination sleepers should sleep well on either firmness option. Because of how responsive the mattress is, changing sleeping positions is a breeze.
Read more: Best mattress for side sleepers
Purple Restore mattress performance
Edge support
The level of edge support on the Purple Restore is exceptional. In addition to the coils along the outer edges of the mattress being extra reinforced for additional firmness to prevent any roll-off sensation while you sleep, there's an additional few inches of foam to make it even more supportive. So even if you're sharing a smaller mattress, you should feel secure.
Motion isolation
Our testing found that the motion isolation on the Purple Restore is just OK. Because of the pocketed coils as the main support layer and the super-responsive nature of the GelFlex Grid top layer, you'll probably feel it a bit if your sleeping partner tosses and turns at night.
We don't see it being a deal-breaker for most people. Modern pocketed coils isolate motion much better than old-school innersprings, so the Purple Restore is still far better than the old coil spring bed you might have grown up sleeping on -- but it's not going to compete with memory foam beds like Nectar or Tempur-Pedic, which are well known for their ability to prevent cross-mattress motion.
Temperature regulation
Temperature regulation is a major strength of the Purple brand, and the Restore Mattress is no exception. The GelFlex Grid material not only has a ton of natural airflow thanks to the almost honeycomb-style design, but it doesn't retain heat like other materials can, such as some older styles of memory foam. The GelFlex Grid, in combination with the coil support base, means it will do a great job of not warming up on you at night.
We wouldn't consider this an "active cooling" mattress since it doesn't feature any materials that are noticeably cool to the touch, but it's still a great option for hot sleepers.
Pricing and discounts
In terms of pricing, the Purple Restore Mattress belongs to the higher end of the market. A queen-size mattress costs approximately $2,300, placing it in the luxury tier. Purple's discount policies are somewhat inconsistent, with occasional offers during major holidays. We recommend keeping an eye out for these discounts to save some money. Please refer to the review card above for current pricing and any available discounts, as mattress brands often adjust their prices.
Trial, warranty and shipping
There are pros and cons to buying online. It's the most convenient way to shop, but you don't get any hands-on experience when you're researching your choice. That's why online mattress brands offer a few perks, including free shipping and a free trial. The Purple Restore includes the following:
- Free shipping and returns
- 100-night risk-free trial
- 10-year warranty
Who should consider the Purple Restore mattress?
The Purple Restore Mattress is an excellent choice for those looking for a hybrid mattress. If you appreciate the unique gel-like feel associated with Purple mattresses, you will likely find the Purple Restore Mattress highly comfortable and conducive to quality sleep. However, if you prefer a noticeably softer mattress, consider the soft model of this bed or explore the more affordable Purple Original and Purple Plus mattresses, which are specifically designed for side sleepers.
The Purple Restore vs. Purple Hybrid
Aside from the different look, there isn't a whole lot different about the new Purple Restore compared to the earlier Purple Hybrid. The construction is virtually the same, with only some minor tweaks to the edge coils, and it has the same unique feel you get with the GelFlex Grid that many sleepers love.
The biggest difference is the additional soft firmness option. The Purple Hybrid only came in one firmness level, and it was around a Medium-Firm on our scale, about a 6 to 8 out of 10. The firm option of the new Purple Restore matches that exactly, but you also have the softer option available when you check out.
Final verdict
The Purple Restore Mattress impresses with its hybrid design, combining pocketed coils and the signature Purple GelFlex Grid. This construction enables exceptional support and durability, while the gel-like feel sets it apart from other mattresses on the market. With two firmness options available, the Purple Restore Mattress caters to a wide range of sleep preferences. Although it falls on the pricier side, the unique features and quality materials justify the investment, especially for those seeking a remarkable hybrid mattress experience.
Purple Restore mattress FAQ
Does a Purple mattress feel like a waterbed?
No, the Purple mattress feels more like you're lying on a giant Dr. Scholl's insole. However, it does give you a "weightless" feel, sort of like a waterbed does.
What is the lifespan of a Purple mattress?
The Purple Restore mattress has a 10-year warranty backing it, meaning it should last at least 10 years. However, it may last a few more years if you take proper care of it.
Is the Purple Restore mattress good for side sleepers?
Yes, we think the soft Purple Restore mattress will offer a comfortable balance between pressure relief and support for side sleepers.